Chapter 1488 1488
Chapter 1488 1488
They waited in the corridor for about twenty minutes before Director Hao from the Education Bureau finally arrived.
Director Hao was in the middle of a meeting when he received the call.
The issue of food poisoning at First Middle School was something he had just learned about.
"Secretary Han, Director Song."
He greeted them with a serious expression, saying, "I just heard about the situation here."
Han Lan looked at Song Guanchao, clearly indicating that this was led by Song Guanchao.
Director Hao wasn't surprised; he had heard that Han Lan didn't have much standing in the City Government.
In contrast, Song Guanchao had the backing of Wu Qiangwei.
Moreover, the City Government was now solely controlled by Wu Qiangwei, and Zhang Yan was long gone.
Song Guanchao asked, "Director Hao just found out?"
"Yes." Director Hao suppressed his anger inside.
Such a big issue, and the principal of First Middle School dared to conceal it.
In terms of rank, he really wasn't afraid of Song Guanchao.
But he had no ground to stand on in this matter, so he couldn't appear tough.
Moreover, Song Guanchao wasn't accusing him but handling the situation.
Song Guanchao asked, "Has the principal of First Middle School arrived?"
"On the way."
"Then let's wait."
Despite being the main person responsible for the incident, the principal of First Middle School was the last to arrive.
They waited almost another half hour at the hospital before the principal finally arrived.
"Director Hao." This fifty-something middle-aged man, with a large belly and balding head, looked in poor shape.
He greeted Director Hao with a handshake, while Director Hao wore a grim expression and asked, "Principal Xu, where are the class teachers of those children?"
"Class teachers? Oh, I forgot to notify them."
Principal Xu clapped his hands, "I've been busy handling the cafeteria's issues."
Director Hao's expression improved slightly; regardless of whether Principal Xu's words were true or false, at least there was an excuse on the surface.
"Director Zhou," Song Guanchao suddenly said, "please take Director Hao and Principal Xu to the City Government to wait for me."
Both looked at him, puzzled.
"Director Hao, who is this?" Principal Xu didn't recognize Song Guanchao.
"City Government Office Director, Song Guanchao."
"So it's Director Song." Principal Xu cursed inwardly; initially, he wanted to suppress the matter.
A parent went to report it, leading to major trouble with the City Government intervening.
He was unsure if Director Song was just following protocol.
He sneaked a glance at Wang Rui, who gave him a reassuring look, instantly calming him.
"Director Song, why don't we discuss it here?"
"The students are still in the hospital; I'm really concerned."
Principal Xu wore a heartbroken expression, "Alas, it's my fault; yesterday's events were so sudden, I lost my bearings and forgot to notify Director Hao. I definitely have responsibility in this, Director Hao, why don't you punish me!"
Song Guanchao wasn't swayed by his performance, saying, "Director Zhou, please take the two of them over. Director Hao, I'd appreciate your cooperation."
Director Hao nodded. Principal Xu and Wang Rui usually didn't interact with Song Guanchao, and given Song Guanchao's rank, they weren't involved in or aware of certain events.
However, Director Hao had heard a bit and was somewhat familiar with Song Guanchao.
With over seventy students poisoned and intentionally concealing it, Director Song probably aimed to make an example.
Director Hao had no concerns; it wasn't related to him in any way.
"Principal Xu, let's go."
Director Hao turned toward the elevator.
Principal Xu didn't take it seriously; he had performed his act.
Besides, similar incidents had occurred before; he had experience handling them.
After they left, Song Guanchao walked to the hallway and called Liang Jianfeng.
"Mr. Liang, who is the director of Gulou District Branch?"
"Yan Jiaqi."
"How's your relationship?"
"No particular connection."
"Mr. Liang, you know what I mean."
"Not very capable, but fairly rule-abiding."
Liang Jianfeng asked, "Why are you looking for him?"
Song Guanchao briefly outlined the situation.
Liang Jianfeng pondered for a moment, then said, "Contact him first; if there's an issue, let me know."
"Alright."
It seemed that Liang Jianfeng wasn't sure if Director Yan had any dealings with First Middle School.
Soon, Liang Jianfeng sent Director Yan's number over.
Song Guanchao called: "Hello, Director Yan, I'm Song Guanchao from the City Government."
"Hello, Director Song. What can I do for you?"
Song Guanchao briefly explained the situation, then said, "Director Wang dispatched police improperly; I hope Director Yan can send him back. Additionally, please investigate Director Wang."
Yan Jiaqi asked, "Investigate what? Does he have issues?"
Song Guanchao said, "I suspect he has private dealings with Principal Xu from First Middle School."
Yan Jiaqi's tone became serious: "Director Song, saying such things isn't quite appropriate, is it?"
Song Guanchao said, "It's just suspicion, hence suggesting Director Yan investigate. Director Yan, where do you find my words inappropriate?"
Yan Jiaqi paused in his speech, remained silent for two seconds, then said, "Alright, I'll check it. Director Song, anything else?"
"No."
"Then I'll hang up now."
After hanging up, as Song Guanchao returned to the corridor, he saw Director Wang picking up the phone.
It was likely from Yan Jiaqi.
The call lasted no more than two minutes before Director Wang hung up.
Holding the phone, he looked over at Song Guanchao, with a notably angry expression.
Probably thinking that Song Guanchao had different attitudes in private and public.
Song Guanchao calmly met his gaze: "Director Wang, what are you looking at?"
Wang Rui's nostrils flared: "Director Song, have I offended you in any way?"
Song Guanchao replied, surprised, "Director Wang, what are you talking about?"
Wang Rui took a deep breath: "Why did you ask Director Yan to investigate me?"
"Oh, you mean this." Song Guanchao's expression cooled.
"Students are suffering from food poisoning; has the cafeteria manager been arrested?"
"Ignoring those who should be arrested and coming to the hospital to stop parents from visiting. What's wrong? Wearing the national emblem, have you forgotten who you serve?"
"I..."
"Do you feel aggrieved?"
Song Guanchao sneered, "Director Wang, you better not have any issues. If I find out you benefitted from this, trust me, I'll make sure you rot in prison."
Wang Rui's anger suddenly dissipated; he hadn't expected Song Guanchao to be so assertive and direct, exposing everything hidden beneath the rules.
This was completely different from the leaders he had previously encountered.
Moreover, when he had hinted at providing benefits before, Song Guanchao hadn't refused.
Why did he suddenly seem like a different person?
Song Guanchao then looked at the other plainclothes officers, pulled a few business cards from his pocket, and handed them over: "I give you one chance, contact me, plead guilty and accept punishment."
"Additionally."
At this point, Song Guanchao suddenly smiled, pointing at Wang Rui, "If you know he has issues, feel free to report to me. I will protect the privacy of the informant, without disclosure. At the same time, I will suggest the City Bureau handles the informant lightly."
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